Our Values: At Wild On Earth, we don’t just run tours – we live by a set of core values that shape every aspect of what we do:
Creative Adventure: We believe every safari is a creative journey. It’s not just about going from point A to B; it’s about embracing the unexpected detours – detours that often lead to the most breathtaking photographs or memorable encounters. Our team fosters a spirit of adventure and creativity. Want to spend an extra hour waiting for that elusive leopard to emerge? We’ll do it. Inspired to do a midnight experiment with star photography? We’re game. We encourage guests to try new techniques and perspectives, whether it’s lying flat on the ground for an eye-level shot of an elephant or using a GoPro for a unique wide-angle. Adventure means sometimes things don’t go as planned – a sudden rain shower or a roadblock by a herd of buffalo – but we see those as opportunities for improvisation and story-making, not inconveniences.
Respect for Conservation: Wildlife and communities come first. The parks we visit are living, breathing ecosystems that deserve the utmost respect. We adhere to strict ethical wildlife viewing practices – keeping a safe distance, never pressuring an animal for a reaction, and absolutely no baiting or unethical staging. Our vehicles are guided by “leave no trace” principles (we even carry out others’ litter if we find it). We also invest in the places we operate: a portion of every tour fee goes directly to conservation initiatives, whether funding park ranger patrols or community education programs. When you travel with us, you might spend a morning visiting a local school or a ranger outpost, because we want you to see the impact of your trip. We also strive to be environmentally friendly in our operations, using solar-powered camps where possible and reducing plastic use. Wild On Earth exists because wild places still exist – and we intend to keep it that way.
Story-Driven Purpose: At our core is the idea that stories can change the world. Every photograph you take, every moment you experience, is part of a larger narrative of why these wild places matter. Our guides and founders infuse storytelling into the journey – you’ll hear the tale of how Majete’s rhinos were reintroduced against all odds, or how a community in Bangweulu saved the shoebill from extinction. We encourage our guests to not just take photos, but to create stories: maybe it’s a personal blog, a photo essay, or simply tales you’ll tell friends back home. Wild On Earth’s purpose is to cultivate a band of storyteller-ambassadors for conservation. We’ve seen how a single striking image or a well-told story (shared on social media or an exhibition) can raise awareness and funds for a park in need. So we see our expeditions as successful not only when guests are happy, but when those guests go home and inspire others to care about the wild. Our motto, coined by Natalie, is: “Shoot with a camera, aim with your heart.” That means use your passion to make a difference. It’s why we do what we do.
Meet the Team: Our guides are the heartbeat of Wild On Earth. They are not only skilled in tracking wildlife but are also accomplished photographers and educators. Many hail from the very communities bordering the parks – for instance, James Banda, one of our lead guides in Zambia, grew up near Kafue and has dedicated his life to its wildlife; he can tell you the name of every lion in the pride and has a keen eye for predicting animal behavior (a huge asset for anticipating great shots!). We also occasionally bring in guest mentors – professional wildlife photographers or filmmakers – to join certain expeditions and provide specialized workshops (on night photography, drone usage, storytelling etc.). The vibe on our trips is friendly, inclusive, and curious. Around the dinner table, you’ll hear lively chats about the day’s sightings, discussions on camera settings, maybe a bit of Lightroom tutoring, and always laughter about the unpredictability of nature (yes, that leopard that made us wait 3 hours and showed only its tail… we cherish even those moments).
In essence, Wild On Earth was born from love – love for wild places, love for photography, and love for sharing meaningful experiences with others. We’re not a huge corporation; we’re a small family (literally, Natalie and David are now married, and our team feels like extended family) and we welcome each guest as part of that Wild On Earth family. When you travel with us, you’re joining a community of like-minded explorers. Our greatest pride is when alumni guests send us their published photo books or conservation projects inspired by our safaris. That tells us we’re fulfilling our purpose.
Join Our Story: Whether you’re an aspiring photographer looking for guidance, a seasoned pro seeking fresh inspiration, or simply a nature lover craving a deeper connection, we invite you to join Wild On Earth. Come meet the lions of Liuwa that defied the odds, the people of Rwanda who coexist with chimpanzees, the elephants of Malawi reclaiming their old migratory routes. Come travel in a way that feeds your creative soul and fuels conservation. Wild On Earth isn’t just a safari – it’s a movement to keep the wild alive through images and action. We hope to welcome you on this journey.